Mercedes-Benz no longer runs its own fast-charging network in Europe. French operator Electra has taken over 47 sites with 374 high-power charging points. electrive reported the deal first.
The deal
Of the 47 sites, 31 are in Germany and six are in Austria. The rest are spread across other European markets. InsideEVs says Mercedes' third-quarter report valued the assets at €99 million.
Electra becomes a «Premium Partner» in Mercedes' MB.CHARGE Public service. That gives Mercedes drivers discounted roaming at more than 800 Electra sites with over 5,000 charging points in ten countries. The only other Premium Partner is Ionity, in which Mercedes holds a stake.
What changes on the ground
electrive says Electra moved the stations onto its own backend over the weekend. The sites already show up as Electra chargers in apps. Payment terminals will be swapped in the coming days and the stations will be rebranded. Electra's German manager Paul Tonini told electrive that «no personnel are involved».
A U-turn
A year ago Mercedes was talking about expanding its own network, with a goal of more than 10,000 fast-charging points worldwide by the end of the decade. Its stations in the US and China are not part of this sale. In Germany, Electra's network grows from 50 to 81 charging parks. Electra plans to spend €200 million there next year.